OK Some Pics

So we went to such a cool place that we had to pictures, even if it was with our cell phones. So- here are Simon, Daddy and Papa Don on the Growler. The Growler is the submarine you can tour next to the Intrepid.

Simon enjoyed all of the things you got to climb into and push buttons in.

A space capsule.

And a helicopter were among them.

No Pictures For A Bit

We left our camera at the Seder at Peter and Erica's so no pics until we get it from them next weekend. However, I'll leave you with a image in words.

Driving home from the Seder, we dropped off Sarah in the rain and headed to Windsor Terrace. Probably from the lack of sleep, Mama's head was starting to hurt so Simon said, "I'll rub your neck and sing to you." And he did. Very nicely rubbed the back of my neck and sang me 'Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?'. And it helped me feel better, both my headache felt better and I felt better about Simon being a good kid too.

Why We Are Tired

We have been very busy. We celebrated at a wonderful wedding- Simon got to skip down the aisle for Deeanna and Raphael. It was one of those wedding that match the bride a groom perfectly. We had also partied at the reharsal BBQ the night before so it was two late nights in a row.

So, of course, we still got up early for Easter. Simon really wanted to wear his new fairy dress for the egg hunt.

To try to limit candy ( and because Simon has already eaten most of the Easter candy one night at about 2 AM) we tried a different approach to filling the eggs...

And now we've heard 'I Like To Move It' at ;east 20 times.

Then we are off to a family Seder tonight, and welcome Grandma Jean and Grandpa Don back to NYC tomorrow. The fun never stops.

First Hike Of The Season!

The Garland's head off on their first hike for 2011. And what a fabulous hike it was.

There was lots of exploring of small things...

Crossing of puddles, streams, and rushing rivers, (as Simon said). Truly we must have crossed over at least 15 streams of varying size, and occaisionally just walked along the trail which had turned into a stream.

And there was exploring of large things. The giant gaping black hole in the rock beyond Simon is an old abandoned iron mine. Very cool to investigate. The hike was a 3.5 mile loop and Simon was a stellar hiker- we even made it up a small mountain too. This summer family hikes are going to be a serious highlight! Mount Battie, here we come!

Swimming Triumph

(Daddy already posted the picture I sent with my phone- but I want to put up some good ones!)

OK- He's not actually swimming yet- but today's class went much better. Simon can't wait to go back in two weeks to do more. And luckily- when Grandma Sue and Grandpa Steve visit in early May they booked a hotel with a pool so we can all go swimming then too!

Swim Class Success!

Even though he's fuzzy, I think you can see his smile. He got right in the pool and had a great time at today's swim class!

Game 1

Today we had the first day of swim class- there are no pictures. Despite Simon's love of pools and familiarity with this pool it took him 55 minutes to get up the courage to get into the water. We are proud of him because he felt nervous and didn't give up. We also think the Camp Olympia staff are fantastic- they treated him beautifully!!!!

Today was also the first baseball game.

Simon's technique needs work- but he was happy and focused for the whole game.

Go Dalmatians!

Athletics

We are getting ready for athletic endeavors around here. Today was the opening day parade for baseball season. Simon's team name is Dalmatians. Daddy is going to be taking him to most of his games and practices.

And tomorrow we start swim classes- here Simon is trying out his new goggles in the bath.

Reading Updateq

It has been just over 6 months since Simon read his first book so I thought I'd share where he is now with reading. We are very proud.

Fixed image problems

I'm not sure why Julia's normal way of blogging isn't working, but I have gone back in re-placed the images in the last two posts.

It's A Phase

At least we hope this is a phase. Simon has been very interested in certain concepts lately. As illustrated by the book that came home recentlay from school. We hope he made it on his free time and not for the teachers.

The cover.


(to help those who have trouble reading Simon's spelling it says, "Simon! The words you should not say.")

The inside.



(again, to help, it says, "By Simon. Poopy, potty, toilet, penis, butt, bathroom.") Sigh.